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Photo by Gary Minish



Northern Lights

If you're visiting Valdez during certain times of the year, you might just hear the locals telling you to "look up!" to see the aurora draped over the local mountain skyline. 

It's possible to spot the Northern Lights from Valdez during most of the year, from late summer or early fall through spring, though the darker winter months are best. However, Valdez's coastal location and weather (Valdez is the snowiest town in the United States) make spotting the aurora here less reliable than in other parts of Alaska farther North. 

The University of Alaska Fairbanks provides daily statewide online aurora forecasts

Viewing Locations

The best areas for spotting the aurora around Valdez are in the areas further out of town, like Robe Lake or in Thompson Pass. 

Photo Gallery


Northern Lights


Aurora Borealis

Photo by Mathew Osburn


Northern Lights


Aurora Borealis

Thompson Pass is a great location to look for the Northern Lights Photo by Mathew Osburn


Northern Lights


Aurora Over Town

Aurora Over Downtown Valdez Photo from Mike's Palace


Northern Lights


Aurora Over Heather Bay

Aurora Heather Bay in late August Photo from Pangaea Adventures.


Northern Lights


Camping in Heather Bay

Aurora seen over Heather Bay in late August. Photo from Pangaea Adventures.


Northern Lights


Northern Lights in Valdez

Photo by Joe Prax


Northern Lights


Aurora and Big Dipper over Valdez

Photo by Daniel Barbero


Northern Lights


Light Show with Snowcat and Boarders

You can discover the Northern Lights with our local tour operators! Photo by Black Ops Valdez.

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Northern Lights


Aurora Over Tsaina

Photo by Gary Minish